LONDON, Ky. (WKYT) – A southern Kentucky man is facing arson and burglary charges after a fire swept through a law office in downtown London.
The fire broke out just before 5 a.m. Tuesday at the Cunnagin Law Offices. Police have charged 56-year-old Scottie Seeley in connection with the blaze.
Fire discovered during response to another call
Firefighters discovered the fire as they were leaving another call. A man was also found inside the building.
“It was a law office. No one was supposed to be here. Don’t know the extent of that person being here,” said Captain Brandon Wagers of the London Fire Department.
The man was taken to the hospital. A few hours later, police said he was being charged with starting the fire.
“Again we can’t go into the evidence but we feel very confident, so confident that we have an arrest warrant for arson, second, burglary 3rd for this individual,” said Major Bobby Day of the London Police.
Downtown streets closed as crews respond
A number of streets throughout downtown London were closed most of the day Tuesday as firefighters and trucks flooded the area.
“Did request a lot of mutual aid from other parties in Laurel County. Just to make sure we had exposure protection from the other buildings,” Wagers said.
The Cunnagin Law Offices and some adjacent buildings took major damage, but the fire was kept from spreading.
Building age presented challenges
The fire gutted a big part of what officials said was one of the older buildings in the downtown area. They said they faced challenges tied to the building’s age.
“Actually depends on the remodel, different layers. Any fire that is of intense, fire load, it’s difficult to put out,” Wagers said.
Police said it’s an ongoing investigation and there’s a lot that cannot be said at this time, including what Seeley’s alleged motive was. Police said they interviewed him and other witnesses.
Police said once Seeley is released from the hospital, he will be booked into the Laurel County Detention Center.
London fire officials said they had to call in additional resources from within their department to fight the fire.
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